Zupkus Joins House Republicans as they Unveil Session Priorities for Cannabis Safety

(HARTFORD) — State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) joined House Republicans on Tuesday as they unveiled their caucus proposals aimed at creating a safer environment surrounding the recreational use and retail sale of cannabis.

“When it comes to our state’s fledgling cannabis marketplace, the umbrella message emanating from the Governor’s office is, unfortunately, one of shining positivity that in our opinion is at odds with the concerns of not just many residents, but also state mental health and addiction professionals who spend a lot of energy warning us all—and children in particular—about the drug’s dangers,” said Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-86), House Republican Leader. “I urge my colleagues who have been so enthusiastic about retail cannabis to refocus their energy and prioritize an effort to make changes to our regulatory landscape for the benefit of our state.”

The proposals from House Republicans cover a wide-ranging set of issues, from student driving education and labeling to sales of cannabis products at gas stations and safer packaging. The bill from House Republicans, H.B. 5434, will be subject of a General Law Committee public hearing.

“What we have presented will address recent constituent concerns on intoxicated driving, increased drug dependency, and especially the reality that children can be seriously harmed without necessary safeguards,” said Rep. Zupkus (R-89). “I am an advocate for exploring the economic benefits of marijuana, however not at the cost of endangering our youth without the proper safety restrictions on high-potency THC products.”

The bill from House Republicans proposes the following:

• Establishes a cap on the amount of THC present in a single serving and requires the disclosure of the concentration of THC present in each serving and a description of its potency
• Requires a label to be placed on the package of each consumer product stating cannabis use may be addictive, lead to birth defects, or cause psychosis
• Restricts licensed gasoline dealers from selling any product containing any form of THC
• Requires each cannabis retailer employ a certified budtender and that such budtender be present at such retailer during operating hours
• Prohibits cannabis consumption in locations where alcohol consumption is prohibited
• Repeals certain restrictions on cannabis-related stops and searches on persons and motor vehicles
• Specifies that “imminent risk of serious harm” includes a situation where a parent or guardian is visibly under the influence of cannabis and attempting to pick up and leave with their child from a school or day care
• Prohibits the sale of edible cannabis products
• Requires that cannabis products be sold in child-proof containers
• Requires the Department of Consumer Protection to:
  • Review and approve each cannabis product type and its dosage
  • Review cannabis tracking procedures in retail establishments and pharmacies
  • Designate retail cannabis as a schedule II-controlled substance
  • Specify that secondhand cannabis smoke is toxic to human health

House Republicans urge members of the public to share their thoughts about H.B. 5434 when it is scheduled by the General Law Committee. For more information on how to testify, visit the committee’s web site at cga.ct.gov/gl